WIREDGOV

Local authorities across the UK can learn how to implement the EU Services Directive at a series of targeted training courses sponsored by The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and delivered by Socitm Learning.

Socitm Learning, the training arm of Socitm Consulting, has been commissioned by BIS to deliver a series of subsidised training courses in October and November on implementing the EU Services Directive in a local authority. The intensive half-day courses are being run at locations across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and are priced at just £75 per delegate.

The EU Services Directive has to be implemented in local authorities by December 28th this year. Successful implementation will provide an electronic channel for authorities to receive and respond to applications in the scope of the Directive, provide access to more competitive suppliers, and create broader market openings for local businesses. Failure to comply could open local authorities to legal action, judicial reviews or infraction under EU law.

The Socitm Learning courses form part of a larger campaign by BIS to help local authorities implement the Directive. Other linked initiatives include the provision of an ELMS (Electronic Licence Management System), an online Community of Practice with more than 400 members, newsletters, technical notes, flowcharts and a pilot scheme to introduce local authorities to the Internal Market Information (IMI) System, an internet-based, secure messaging system developed by the European Commission to enable more effective day-to-day cooperation between Member States on the Services Directive.

The Socitm Learning course will highlight what each authority needs to do to comply with the Directive and what support is available. The course is designed specifically for Managers and Supervisors responsible for the day-to-day running of business regulatory and licensing activities within the scope of the Services Directive.

Full details of the course content, dates and locations can be viewed at http://www.socitmlearning.co.uk/showCourse.asp?CourseTypeID=17 and places can be booked online. The direct line for enquiries about the courses is 0845 241 2773.

Socitm Consulting’s Consulting Manager Doug Maclean comments: “These courses form part of a well-planned campaign by a central government department to bring local authorities up to speed with new legislation and best practice. We are very pleased that our expertise in communicating with local authorities across the UK and reinforcing best practice at all levels has been recognised by BIS.”


Further information

Alan Goodwin, Marketing & Communications Manager, Socitm Consulting; t: 0845 0904 2318, e: alan.goodwin@socitmconsulting.co.uk 


Doug Maclean, Consulting Manager, Socitm Consulting; t: 0845 241 2770, e: doug.maclean@socitmconsulting.co.uk 


Mark Wheatley, Learning Manager, Socitm Learning; t: 0845 241 2773, e: mark.wheatley@socitmlearning.co.uk 


For all queries regarding the EU Services Directive and ELMs: BIS Services Directive Engagement Team – servicesdirective@bis.gsi.gov.uk 



Notes to editors

Socitm Consulting (www.socitmconsulting.co.uk) provides strategic management and technology consultancy, project and programme management, benchmarking and interim management support to a large number of public and independent sector clients. Socitm Consulting helps its clients to develop and update transformational strategies, plan and deliver successful change programmes, build up in-house skill sets and monitor and manage performance effectively.


Socitm Learning (www.socitmlearning.co.uk) is the training arm of Socitm Consulting. Socitm Learning draws on the knowledge and expertise of the wider Socitm family including Insight to deliver up-to-date learning experiences specifically tailored for local government, the public sector and the Society's expanding membership.


The EU Services Directive aims to break down barriers to cross border trade in services between countries in the EU. It will make it easier for service providers, particularly small and medium sized enterprises, to offer their services to customers in other EU countries, whether establishing elsewhere in the EU or providing services remotely from the UK.


EU Member states are required to implement the Directive by 28 December 2009. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) leads on implementation in the UK and is working closely with other Government Departments, the devolved administrations, local authorities, regulators and others in tasks such as screening legislation for compliance with the Directive and establishing an online ‘Point of Single Contact’ for service providers to find out about doing business in the UK.